Tell us some more about your work.

My poetry, particularly my recently published tanka collection Caught in a Hazy Dream, focuses on capturing the beauty and complexity of everyday moments. I’m drawn to both nature and human emotions, exploring themes of memory, love, and self-discovery. My work aims to bridge the gap between traditional poetic tanka and haiku forms and contemporary experiences, inviting readers to pause and find profound meaning in the ordinary. 

What do you hope readers will take away from your pieces?

I hope readers will find moments of reflection and connection in my poetry. My goal is to create a space where people can pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty in their everyday lives. I want my words to resonate with readers’ own experiences, evoking a sense of shared humanity and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the fleeting moments that make up our lives.

How did you decide which form or genre was right for you?

I was drawn to tanka and haiku for their ability to distill complex emotions and observations into concise, powerful verses. These forms challenge me to be precise with language while still conveying depth of feeling. The brevity of micro poetry forms align well with our fast-paced modern world, offering moments of reflection that can be absorbed quickly yet resonate deeply.

How many hours a day do you write?

Writing is a crucial part of my daily routine. I’ve structured my day to embrace creativity at different times. Each morning, I dedicate anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half to writing, allowing my fresh mind to capture early inspirations. In the afternoon, I carve out another 30 minutes to an hour, often building on the morning’s thoughts and observations. After dinner and quality time with my husband, I return to writing for another 30 minutes to an hour and a half. My minimum goal is to write for at least 30 minutes during each session. This approach has been remarkably effective, providing consistent creative output while maintaining balance in my life. It’s not just about the quantity of time, but the quality of focus and the rhythm of returning to the page throughout the day.

How did your first publication change your process of writing?

My first publication was quite the experience that improved my writing process. It opened my eyes to the world of editing, design, and publishing, offering valuable insights into the journey a piece takes from conception to print. I gained a deeper appreciation for the process of bringing a book to life and the importance of refining my work through multiple drafts. The experience also introduced me to the basics of marketing, highlighting the need to think about my audience and how to connect with readers. Perhaps most significantly, it solidified my identity as a writer, poet, and creative. It was a moment of realization—this isn’t just a hobby, but a calling and a viable path forward. 

What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your own writing?

I’m deeply inspired by both classic and contemporary tanka poets. Machi Tawara’s Salad Anniversary showed me how tanka could capture modern life with freshness and relatability. Akiko Yosano’s passionate, feminist tanka opened my eyes to the form’s potential for expressing bold emotions. I also draw inspiration from haiku masters like Basho and Issa, as well as contemporary nature writers like Mary Oliver.These influences have helped me develop a style that aims to blend traditional form aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities, always striving to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on a collection of haiku titled Life in Bloom, which explores a balance between urban life and nature. Looking ahead, I hope to collaborate with other poets and perhaps explore longer pieces like prose poetry forms while maintaining the essence of what I love about tanka and haiku.